There’s something magical about the comforting aroma of Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry wafting through the kitchen. Imagine tender ground beef sizzling in a hot pan, mingling with crunchy cabbage and vibrant veggies, creating an enticing symphony of flavors. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by that savory umami explosion that makes your taste buds dance.

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chaotic weeknight, and I was racing against time to whip up something delicious before my family devolved into grumbling stomachs. Little did I know, this simple recipe would become an instant family favorite, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies around the dinner table. It’s quick enough for a busy weekday but impressive enough for unexpected guests. Trust me; you’ll want to make this dish over and over again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip it up in under 30 minutes without sacrificing flavor
- The blend of savory beef and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant dish that pleases both eyes and palate
- It’s versatile enough to adjust ingredients based on personal preference or pantry availability
- Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive for casual gatherings with friends and family
The other night, my friend dropped by unannounced, and I was able to serve this dish, earning me an impromptu chef award from her.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option that still packs plenty of flavor.
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Cabbage: Choose fresh green cabbage for its crunch; Napa cabbage is also a great alternative if you want a sweeter taste.
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Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color as well as sweetness; feel free to use any type you have on hand.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable here; they add depth and aroma that powdered garlic simply can’t match.
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the stir-fry a spicy kick that’s wonderfully warming; grated or finely chopped works best.
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Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle at the end adds an irresistible nutty flavor that’ll make you swoon.
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Green Onions: These add freshness as well as color; slice them thinly for maximum impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing all your veggies thoroughly. Chop your cabbage into thin strips, dice bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, and mince garlic and ginger.
Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned—about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then add cabbage and bell peppers. Cook until softened but still crunchy—roughly 3-5 minutes.
Pour in the Sauce: Drizzle soy sauce over the beef mixture along with sesame oil. Stir everything together until well coated, allowing flavors to meld—about 2 minutes.
Finish with Green Onions: Add sliced green onions just before serving; stir briefly to combine their fresh flavor into the dish without wilting them completely.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry! Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for an extra filling meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
You Must Know
- This delicious Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is not just quick; it’s also a nutrient powerhouse
- The mix of ground beef and cabbage offers a hearty meal without feeling heavy
- Whip it up in under 30 minutes for a weeknight win!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef to get that rich flavor, then add garlic and ginger before the cabbage. This sequence ensures that every ingredient shines in your stir-fry.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cabbage for bok choy or kale. Adding sesame oil or chili flakes can also introduce extra depth and personality to your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat for best texture, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Sauté your vegetables until tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant colors and flavors
- Using freshly grated ginger instead of powdered will elevate the taste remarkably
- Always season after cooking to enhance all flavors without over-salting
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friends devouring it at my last dinner party, leaving me with empty plates and laughter ringing through the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu work well in this stir-fry.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for seasoning.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha during cooking for extra heat.

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the delightful fusion of flavors in this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, where tender ground beef meets crunchy cabbage and vibrant veggies. This quick, 30-minute dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. With each bite, experience a burst of umami that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and chopping the vegetables.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in cabbage and bell peppers; cook until just tender (3-5 minutes).
- Pour in soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil; mix well to combine flavors (about 2 minutes).
- Finish by adding sliced green onions just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg